Facts about a police checkpoint and drivers under the influence

An automobile insurance notice

Whether it’s alcohol or drugs, driving under either can be a death sentence for the driver, passengers, and occupants of any other cars on the road. DUI checkpoints are also known as sobriety checkpoints. Due to the deadly risks of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, roadblocks are a sanctioned law enforcement activity in every state across the country despite characteristics that can be classified as intrusions of privacy and personal.

In NJ state alone, the Arts Center in Holmdel Township will house a DUI checkpoint where state troopers will be on duty to conduct checks on motorists.

The National Highway Safety Transport department cites certain limits for checkpoints. Some of them incorporate the rules listed below.

Six Rules About DUI Checkpoints

• All checkpoint locations, as well as law enforcement procedures, must be cleared by state and municipal officials.

• The forces of order are prohibited from carrying out arbitrary checks on vehicles. Any vehicle that stops must do so in an established manner without discrimination.

• Each DUI checkpoint must have detectable signage around the site indicating police checkpoint activity.

• Each vehicle service must take the same amount of time and the entire operation must be performed during part of a scheduled day.

• The activity of individual checkpoints must be carried out within established time periods without causing undue burden on any driver.

• Necessary safety precautions must be taken to protect police officers, drivers and passengers.

As recreational and medical marijuana becomes an approved product in more and more US states, it is important for those who use the drug to be aware of the side effects. Marijuana, like other drugs, can affect perception, motor coordination, and attention by reducing response time. Studies show that marijuana use can negatively affect speed control by inducing drowsiness; it also makes you more prone to distracted driving techniques, making it difficult for you to read posted signs. Driving under the influence of marijuana can cause accidents that result in property loss, damage, injury, and even death.

If you see someone who appears to be under the influence of any drug or alcohol, please dial the appropriate hotline at 7-7 to report it. Provide any details you can remember about the car the person suspected of having a disability is driving, especially the license plate number, if it has one. Describe the driver and passengers in the car and note where the erratic driving occurred and the direction the car was headed.